(04-30-08)
Box Score
WEST HAVEN, Conn. -- A seven run third inning carried the University of New Haven softball team to an 11-3 victory over Dowling College. Nicole Downs (photo) and Courtney Garland each hit three-run home runs in the crucial inning for the Chargers. With the win UNH has now won eight of their last nine games.
With the win, UNH advances to play No. 2 seed Adelphi University tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. The ECC tournament continues Thursday through Saturday at Dowling College.
UNH starting pitcher Breanne Gleason went the distance for UNH allowing three runs on four hits. She struck out three while walking two.
The Chargers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first following back to back doubles by Gleason and Jessica Medina (2-for-3, 1 RBI, 2 R).
Dowling would answer quickly with two runs in the top of the second to take the lead. Gleason walked the first batter of the inning and following a fielder's choice and a wild pitch gave up an RBI double to Alison Gallagher. Dowling starting pitcher Stephanie Plochochi followed with another RBI double plating Gallagher.
In the bottom of the third inning the Chargers would regain the lead following a seven run inning that featured five hits and three Dowling errors. Meghan Walter led off with a single to center field. Following an error which allowed Gleason to reach base, sophomore Downs (2-for-4, 3 RBI) hit a line drive home run to left center field giving UNH a 4-2 advantage.
Following a walk to Medina and another Golden Lion error, reigning ECC Rookie of the Week Courtney Garland (1-for-4, 3 RBI) put UNH up 7-2 with the second 3-run home run of the inning for the Chargers. UNH would increase their lead to 8-2 after an RBI single by Chelsea Harold.
In the bottom of the fourth inning the Chargers would once again add to their lead following a two-out RBI double by designated player Meg Brown (2-for-4, 2 RBI). Pinch runner Amber Tolifero scored from first base on the play.
Dowling would cut into their deficit with a solo shot by Gallagher in the top of the fifth to make it 9-3. Gleason induced the next Lion batter into a groundout and then struck out two in a row to end the inning.
UNH would end the game early in the bottom of the sixth by scoring twice and pushing the margin to 11-3. Five Chargers reached safely in the inning which was capped by a two-out RBI single from Sam Minervini that ended the game with the eight-run rule.
